Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Savannah Casey.

Savannah Casey is running for the Region 1 position on the Warren County School District Board.

The Region 1 seat on the school board is currently held by Paul J. Mangione, whose term ends in 2025.

Casey, a mother of three and director of operations for the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, said she is committed to ensuring that all students in Warren County receive a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

“I believe that a strong school district is the cornerstone of a thriving community,” Casey said.

Casey said she wants to work with parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers to build a school system that empowers every student to reach their full potential. Casey’s platform focuses on three key areas:

– Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility: Recognizing the limited resources in rural districts like Warren County, Casey aims to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used efficiently and effectively. She advocates for prioritizing spending on core educational needs, exploring cost-saving measures without sacrificing quality, and seeking alternative funding through grants and partnerships to expand opportunities for students.

– Supporting Student and Faculty Health: Casey acknowledges the unique challenges rural communities face regarding access to health services. She emphasizes the importance of supporting the mental well-being of students and faculty by fostering a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

– Fostering Strong Local and Regional Partnerships: Believing that collaboration is key to maximizing resources and opportunities, Casey said she wants to build partnerships with local businesses and strengthen relationships with community organizations through internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities essential for youth development.

“I believe in open communication and transparency,” Casey said. “I want to ensure that all stakeholders feel as if they have a voice in the decisions that affect our schools.”

Addressing the challenges of consolidation, Casey emphasized the need for community unity, saying, “While there may be disagreements and differing perspectives, it is important to remember that we are all part of the same community and that we share a common goal: to provide the best possible education for our children.”

Casey’s background includes graduating from Warren Area High School and earning an associate’s degree in business administration from the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. She holds certificates from Dale Carnegie and Strategy Solutions for the Elevating Nonprofit Standards of Excellence. A 2017 graduate of Leadership Warren County, Casey received the 2021 Women Who Make a Difference award from Zonta.

Her volunteer work spans various organizations, including the WAHS Marching Band Boosters, Warren Area Student Union, the Woman’s Club of Warren, the Zonta Club of Warren, and the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center.